Holders for brassiere shape retention

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere that includes a shaped continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference and a shaped peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminating end.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/047,514 (filed Apr. 24, 2008),61/049,547 (filed May 1, 2008), 61/096,357 (filed Sep. 12, 2008), and61/106,628 (filed Oct. 20, 2008) hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed toward items and methods to aid inretaining the shape of undergarments, and more particularly, tobrassiere inserts for placement within brassiere cups during storage andtravel.

BACKGROUND

Brassieres are articles of clothing worn by most women and are oftenconstructed of materials with reduced or no rigidity. Consequently, asbrassieres are stored, washed, and transported over the years, thedelicate construction materials often loose shape, integrity, andstrength.

A particular challenge in attempting to maintain brassiere shape lies inproviding a holder that conforms as closely as possible to the actualshape of the brassiere. It would be further beneficial to provideholders of such a sturdy and inexpensive nature that they could be usedfor the maintenance and storage of every brassiere, both on themanufacturing and retail level, and on the consumer level.

The prior art includes a number of articles designed to be placed withina brassiere cup during washing, drying, and/or storage. U.S. Pat. No.7,252,573 discloses a brassiere frame having a hemispherical shellformed from a first polymeric material, a number of apertures on theshell and a second polymeric material to aid in frictionally retaining abrassiere cup. The second polymeric material may be disposed upon partof the hemispheric shell, or upon the entire shell. U.S. Pat. No.6,761,291 discloses a housing member that includes a pair of removablyconnected brassiere cup support members for receiving brassiere cups.U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,013 discloses a garment protector that includes afirst and second basket member for receiving the cup portions of agarment and first and second biasing members for placement over the cupportions of the garment, so that each cup is located between a basketmember and a biasing member. U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,683 discloses a devicefor washing, drying, and storing a brassiere that includes a body foraccommodating a brassiere and a shell hinged to the body, where thebrassiere is placed between the body and hinged shell portion. U.S. Pat.No. 2,951,621 discloses a garment reshaping and drying device thatincludes a conical hollow form having a plurality of openings to beinserted into a brassiere cup and a securing means at the base of theform. One problem that arises with the use of some existing structuresis that their size and shape do not allow for ideal fit and securitywithin a brassiere cup. This unfortunately results in slipping anddisengagement of the brassiere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates an article formaintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: a smooth continuousrounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, whereinthe rounded portion comprises: an upper side with a radius of curvaturebeing substantially constant; a lower side with a radius of curvaturethat is constantly changing; and two distinct and continuous sections,the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheraledge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to theperipheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap thatintersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; asmooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to therounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to therounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge iscomposed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere;wherein the article includes one or more fastening means to attach thearticle to a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into abrassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe following features: the rounded portion contains one or moreperforations to allow for air and water flow; a second identical articleis attached to the article via a permanent or removable connectingmeans; the one or more fastening means include one or more attachmentsites that are integrally formed with the article; the article issubstantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage,transport, and laundering; the article is composed of a textile thatwicks moisture; the article is composed of recycled materials; thearticle is not attached to any additional articles; the article iscomposed of polypropylene.

In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a method formaintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: providing an articlewith a thermoformed or molded rounded portion having a terminating endat a circumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: an upper sidewith a radius of curvature being substantially constant; a lower sidewith a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and two distinctand continuous sections, the first section is an annular body thatextends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the secondsection is a conical cap that intersects with the first section tocomplete the rounded portion; providing a thermoformed peripheral edgeportion around the article that aligns with and is generally orthogonalto the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the article isinserted into a brassiere cup during storage, travel or laundering sothat the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained; placingat least one article within at least one brassiere cup; and fasteningthe at least one article to the at least one brassiere cup via one ormore fastening means so that the article is securely inserted into abrassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.

This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe following features: the peripheral edge is rounded by exposure toheat or composed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to abrassiere; the one or more fastening means include one or moreattachment sites that are integrally formed with the article; therounded portion contains one or more perforations to allow for air andwater flow; a second identical article is attached to the article via apermanent or removable connecting means; the article is substantiallyrigid so that it maintains its shape during storage, transport, andlaundering; the article is composed of a textile that wicks moisture;the article is composed of recycled materials; the article is notattached to any additional articles.

In an additional aspect, the present invention contemplates an articlefor maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: a smooth continuousrounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, whereinthe rounded portion comprises: an upper side with a radius of curvaturebeing substantially constant; a lower side with a radius of curvaturethat is constantly changing; and two distinct and continuous sections,the first section is an annular body that extends from the peripheraledge portion in a direction that is generally perpendicular to theperipheral edge portion, the second section is a conical cap thatintersects with the first section to complete the rounded portion; asmooth peripheral edge portion that is integrally attached to therounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at an angle to therounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the peripheral edge iscomposed of a soft-touch polypropylene to prevent damage to a brassiere;wherein the article includes: a second identical article attached to thearticle via a permanent or removable connecting means; one or morefastening means integrally formed with the article to attach the articleto a brassiere so that the article is securely inserted into a brassierecup during storage, transport or laundering.

For any of the aspects of the invention the peripheral edge portion mayextend entirely or substantially entirely around the periphery of therounded portion. It may also extend only partially around the roundedportion (e.g., about 75% or less, about 50% or less or otherwise). Theperipheral edge portion may define a continuous flange, or it mayinclude a plurality of intermittently spaced flanges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively show a perspective view of one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a frontal view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B with abrassiere.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a variation of the embodimentof FIGS. 3 a-3C (useful in the same manner as depicted in FIG. 4) butillustrating a peripheral edge portion that spans the entirety of thearticle.

FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side and back view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating connection of two cups and an attachment slot fora brassiere.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate views of the connection of two cups and anattachment slot for a brassiere shown at FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a frontal view of one embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating a peripheral edge and a connection between thetwo cups.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention provides an article10 (e.g., holder) for maintaining the shape of a brassiere including ashaped (e.g., thermoformed) continuous rounded portion 12 having aterminating end 14 at the circumference and a shaped (e.g.,thermoformed) peripheral edge portion 16. The round portion includes anupper side 18 with a radius of curvature that may be substantiallyconstant and a lower side 20 with a radius of curvature that may beconstantly changing. In one aspect, the shaped peripheral edge portion16 may be integrally attached to the rounded portion 12 and may begenerally orthogonal to the rounded portion 12 at its terminating end14. Alternatively, the shaped peripheral edge portion 16 may beintegrally attached to the rounded portion 12 and may be generally at anangle to the rounded portion 12 at its terminating end 14.Advantageously, the article may be inserted into a brassiere cup or aclothing article such as a shirt, a blouse, a corset, a bathing suit(e.g., bikini top) or otherwise having a cup-shaped portion, duringstorage, transport or laundering, so that the integrity and shape of thebrassiere cup is maintained.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating oneembodiment of the present invention having a first and a second article10, being generally symmetrical, though not required and a brassiere 22.It is appreciated that the brassiere 22 having cups 24, may be placedover the first and second articles 10 (FIG. 1), such that each article10 may be configured to receive a respective cup 24 of the brassiere 22,(FIG. 2). Desirably, the peripheral edge portions 16 of the articles 10may be co-planar such that the articles 10 may lay generally flat on thesurface therebelow, though not required. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the articles may be configured such that the peripheral edgeportion 16 may be at an angle (e.g. orthogonally, diagonally, orotherwise) to the rounded portion 12 so as to provide additionalsupport, height, width, depth, or otherwise, and any combination thereoffor the article 10.

It is appreciated that the holders are preferably a thin walledconstruction (e.g., less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm).

It is contemplated that the radius of curvature of the upper side 18 ofthe rounded portion 12 may be substantially similar to the inner radiusof the cup 24 so that upon insertion of the holder 10 into the cup 24,the brassier cup may be substantially supported thereby. By supportingthe cup 24, it is appreciated that the material of the cup 24 may bedisplaced over the holder 10 such that a substantial portion of thesurface 26 of the holder 10 may be adjacent to or in contact with theinner material of the cup 24, there may be a relatively minimal amountof space between the inner material of the cup 24 and the holder 10,there may be substantially no overlap of material of the cup 24, or anycombination thereof.

It is further contemplated that the rounded portion 12 may furtherinclude a boss portion (not shown) generally extending from or about theupper side 18 of the rounded portion 12. Desirably, the boss portion maybe positioned generally about the apex (e.g., top portion) of therounded portion 12. It is appreciated that the boss portion may bedefined by a radius of curvature that may be substantially constant, aradius of curvature that may be constantly changing, or both such thatthe boss portion may include a first portion having a radius ofcurvature that may be substantially constant and a second portion havinga radius of curvature that may be constantly changing. It is furtherappreciated that the boss portion may be configured to conform toportions of the brasserie 22 that may be displaced outward from the cup24 or inward from the cup 24 to accommodate one or more anatomicalfeature (e.g., nipple).

In one aspect, the edge 16 (and/or preferably also all other surfaces ofthe holder) is preferably finished to have a smooth surface that is freeof nicks, burrs, or other sharp features that would have the potentialto snag a textile material.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be generally hemispherical (e.g.,the device as a whole or the rounded portion has a profile that issubstantially the same throughout a revolution of about 180° about arevolution axis).

The article may have a geometry that has a curvature that is less than ahemisphere (e.g., the device as a whole or the rounded portion has aprofile that is substantially the same throughout a revolution of about60 to about 150° about a revolution axis, and more preferably throughouta revolution of about 75 to about 120° about a revolution axis). Forexample, turning to FIGS. 3A-3B through FIG. 5, there are shown moredetailed illustrations of such an embodiment. The embodiment of FIGS.3A-3C and 4 illustrate an embodiment of an article 110 having a roundedportion 112, and a terminating end 114. The terminating end 114 may be afree end (114′) or it may adjoin a peripheral portion 116. As with theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, this embodiment may optionally feature anupper portion 118 and a lower portion 120 that may have the same or adifferent radius of curvature relative to each other. The embodiment ofFIGS. 3A-3C and 4 also feature optional breathing holes, though suchfeature may be excluded. As seen, as referred to above, the embodimentof FIGS. 3A-3B and 4 feature for the rounded portion a surface profilegeometry that extends for a revolution slightly beyond about 90° about arevolution axis (e.g., rather than approximating a generallyhemispherical surface geometry, it generally approximates about aquarter of a spherical surface). As used with a brassiere 122 in FIG. 4(as in FIG. 2), the devices help resist crushing of the brassier duringpacking, storage or other compressive stresses, helps the brassiere toretain its true shape during packing, storage, other compressivestresses, or any combination of these.

FIG. 5 illustrates an article 210 similar to that of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4,but has a peripheral flange (which though shown as a continuous flangemay include notches or cutouts that define a plurality of intermittentlyspaced flange portions) that substantially or entirely surrounds arounded portion 212 that terminates at an end 214. The flange (as in theembodiments of FIGS. 1-4, as well) is effectively defined by aperipheral edge portion 216. The embodiment of FIG. 5 depicts theperipheral edge portion as substantially or entirely surrounding theentirety of rounded portion 212. Of course, it is possible it willsurround less than the entirety of the rounded portion. As with theembodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C and 4, the rounded portion of this embodimentmay have a geometry that has a curvature that is less than a hemisphere(e.g., the device as a whole or the rounded portion has a profile thatis substantially the same throughout a revolution of about 60 to about150° about a revolution axis, and more preferably throughout arevolution of about 75 to about 120° about a revolution axis). It willbe appreciated that for any of the embodiments herein, the roundedportions may include an upper portion with a radius of curvature beingsubstantially constant and a lower portion with a radius of curvaturethat is constantly changing; the rounded portions may include an upperportion with a radius of curvature being constantly changing and a lowerportion with a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; therounded portions may include an upper portion with a radius of curvaturebeing substantially constant changing and a lower portion with a radiusof curvature that is substantially constant; or any combination thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the holder is made up of twoconnected articles 310 wherein each article includes one or moreattachment sites 311 for a brassiere to be attached to the articles. Thetwo articles may be integrally formed as a continuous piece. Theconnection site 312 for the articles may vary in length depending onbrassiere size. In one preferred embodiment, the two articles may beconnected via an attachment mechanism. In another preferred embodiment,the attachment mechanism may be adjustable to allow for use withbrassieres of varying sizes and brassieres where the distance betweencups may vary. The one or more attachment sites 311 for a brassiere arelocated adjacent to a point on a brassiere where the straps are attachedto a cup such that brassiere straps can be easily threaded through theone or more attachment sites. In one preferred embodiment, theseattachment sites may be integrally formed with the articles. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the attachment sites may be removable to allow forcomplete detachment from the article or attachment to a differentlocation on the article.

FIG. 7 illustrates two connected articles 310 via a connection site 312and two attachment sites 311 shown with no attached brassiere. FIGS. 8and 9 illustrate a frontal view and an exploded view of the connectionsite between the two articles 312 and the attachment site 311 for abrassiere detailing a t-shaped embodiment of an attachment site thatfacilitates the entry and exit of a brassiere strap and simultaneouslyengages a brassiere strap such that a strap is unlikely to becomedisengaged without intentional manipulation of the brassiere strap.FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an indentation 313 at the top of each cup,wherein the outer top half of each cup extends further to the top of thearticle whereas the inner top half of each cup extends only to a pointnear or at the level of the connection site 312.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict multiple attachment sites 311 located on theinner surface of the articles 310. In this preferred embodiment, abrassiere can be slipped into two separate attachment sites for moresecure fit. In a more preferred embodiment, one attachment site mayinclude a clip arranged in a perpendicular relationship with a brassierestrap and another attachment site may include a clip arranged in aposition parallel to a brassiere strap. One or more clips may come intocontact with a brassiere strap and one or more may not come into contactwith a brassiere strap or may only come into contact with a cup portionof a brassiere. In another preferred embodiment, the clips of theattachment sites 311 may be flexible to allow for a brassiere orbrassiere strap to be placed within the clip or to be disengaged fromthe clip. In yet another preferred embodiment, the clip may include aclosure that can be opened for insertion of a brassiere or brassierestrap and then closed after insertion or after removal of the brassiereor brassiere strap.

In another aspect, the holder may further include a backing layer tocreate a storage compartment. For example, the holder may have a wallwithin the cup that is hingedly connected to the holder and can beopened and closed for storing small holders (e.g., jewelry, cosmetics,etc.) within the holder when the holder is within the brassiere. Thewall of the holder thus would provide a barrier from such holdercontacting the brassiere.

The present invention may provide a method for maintaining the shape ofa brassiere including providing an article with a shaped (e.g.,thermoformed) rounded portion having a terminating end at acircumference. The rounded portion including an upper side with a radiusof curvature being substantially constant and a lower side with a radiusof curvature that is constantly changing. Providing a shaped peripheraledge portion around the article that aligns with and is generallyorthogonal to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein thearticle is inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, travel, orlaundering so that the integrity and shape of the brassiere cup ismaintained. Placing at least one article within at least one brassierecup.

The article is configured to maintain the integrity and shape of thebrasserie cup during storage, travel, or laundering. Among theadvantages of the articles 10 is that they are stackable. They can bepackaged and sold in a stacked arrangement, in sets of 2 or more. Theymay be packaged in a container that that is molded or formed to have apredetermined shape (e.g., an ornamental three-dimensional fancifulgeometry, as distinguished from a box with flat sides). Morespecifically, it is possible that the articles will have a resilientconstruction such that upon being subject to compression, it will resumeits original shape.

Other features of the article may include one or more of, the materialof the article may be capable of withstanding elevated temperatures(e.g., above room temperature such as in a dryer during the operationthereof); the material is color safe such that it substantially preventsdiscoloration of the brasserie (e.g., the colorant of the material doesnot transfer to wet fabric, the material of the article does not absorbthe colorant from a wet fabric; typically at least two articles or pairof articles are included per box for manufacturing and/or retailpurposes; the articles, when not substantially symmetrical, may begenerally shaped for anatomical simulation; the article may betransparent, opaque, or include a portion of each; the article mayinclude an embossed pattern, a step of embossing, or both; the articlemay be flocked, the article may be washable (e.g., in a washer), dryable(e.g., in a dryer), or both; the fastening means may be a clip, thebrasserie may be held in place generally around the article in tension,or both; the article may be permanently or temporarily fastened toanother article, a brasserie, or both; the properties of the article maybe uniform throughout or they may vary; there may be a holder configuredfor use in doing laundry (e.g., washer and/or dryer); there may be aholder configured for use during packaging; the article may beconfigured to substantially maintain its shape while placed in dresserdrawers, gym bags, shopping bags, duffle bags, netted lingerie bag,accessory bag, or otherwise; the article may be configured to fitvarious sizes of brasseries or otherwise (e.g., cup sizes A, B, C, etc .. . , or otherwise); the peripheral edge portion may include a finishedportion (e.g., bezel); the article may include one or more holes for airdrying, cut-out for art-work, or both; the article may include a foambun; the article may be recyclable, made from post-consumer recycledmaterials, or both; or any combination thereof.

Illustrative materials include for example polyolefins (e.g.,polypropylene, polyethylene or a polymer, copolymer or blend includingthe same), polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate,polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, or any combination thereof. It isappreciated that one or more of these material may be utilized informing a material that is substantially a non-slip plastic, though notrequired.

One or more manufacturing techniques may be employed, including but notlimited to forming (e.g., thermoforming, vacuum forming, pressureforming, or any combination thereof), molding (e.g., injection molding,blow molding, rotational molding, transfer molding, compressionmolding), extrusion, or any combination thereof.

Though one or more of the following features may be employed in thearticle of the invention, optionally the present invention may becharacterized further as being free of any of the following: one or moreapertures (e.g., holes); multiple materials forming at least a portionof encapsulation, layers of different material, or both (e.g. a secondpolymeric material integrally formed (e.g., molded) onto at leastselected portions of a first polymeric material); one or more materialsof variable stiffness (e.g., having a portion with a first hardness anda portion with a second hardness); a peripheral edge having a constantlychanging radius; a peripheral edge that is generally non-planar; asupport member (e.g., one or more members interconnected to form aframe, a biasing member such as a spring, or otherwise) that providesadditional reinforcement for maintaining the shape of the article; anembossing; a corrosive material (e.g., material that may cause corrosionof the brassiere); outwardly displaced members (e.g., points such astongues that dig into the material) extending from the surface (e.g.,one or more apertures) of the article that are configured to engage thematerial of the brassiere cup as the cup is forced down over thearticle; or any combination thereof.

It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein.

It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of aplurality of components or steps may be combined into a single componentor step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may besplit among plural steps or components. The present inventioncontemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise,dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein arenot intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions orgeometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the presentinvention may have been described in the context of only one of theillustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or moreother features of other embodiments, for any given application. It willalso be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the uniquestructures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods inaccordance with the present invention. The present invention alsoencompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice ofthe methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” alsocontemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of”the recited feature.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present invention as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes.

1. An article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: i. asmooth continuous rounded portion having a terminating end at thecircumference, wherein the rounded portion comprises: a. an upper sidewith a radius of curvature being substantially constant; b. a lower sidewith a radius of curvature that is constantly changing; and c. twodistinct and continuous sections, the first section is an annular bodythat extends from the peripheral edge portion in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the secondsection is a conical cap that intersects with the first section tocomplete the rounded portion; ii. a smooth peripheral edge portion thatis integrally attached to the rounded portion and is generallyorthogonal to or at an angle to the rounded portion at its terminatingend, wherein the peripheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polymer toprevent damage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes one or morefastening means to attach the article to a brassiere so that the articleis securely inserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport orlaundering.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the rounded portioncontains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow. 3.The article of any of claim 1, wherein a second identical article isattached to the article via a permanent or removable connecting means.4. The article of claim 1, wherein the one or more fastening meansinclude one or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with thearticle.
 5. The article of claim 3, wherein the one or more fasteningmeans include one or more attachment sites that are integrally formedwith the article.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein the article issubstantially rigid so that it maintains its shape during storage,transport, and laundering.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein thearticle is composed of a textile that wicks moisture.
 8. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the article is composed of recycled materials.
 9. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the article is not attached to anyadditional articles.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the article iscomposed of polypropylene.
 11. A method for maintaining the shape of abrassiere comprising: i. providing an article with a thermoformed ormolded rounded portion having a terminating end at a circumference,wherein the rounded portion comprises: a. an upper side with a radius ofcurvature being substantially constant; b. a lower side with a radius ofcurvature that is constantly changing; and c. two distinct andcontinuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extendsfrom the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is aconical cap that intersects with the first section to complete therounded portion; ii providing a thermoformed peripheral edge portionaround the article that aligns with and is generally orthogonal to therounded portion at its terminating end, wherein the article is insertedinto a brassiere cup during storage, travel or laundering so that theintegrity and shape of the brassiere cup is maintained; iii. placing atleast one article within at least one brassiere cup; and iv. fasteningthe at least one article to the at least one brassiere cup via one ormore fastening means so that the article is securely inserted into abrassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the peripheral edge is rounded by exposure to heat orcomposed of a soft-touch polymer to prevent damage to a brassiere. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more fastening means includeone or more attachment sites that are integrally formed with thearticle.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the rounded portioncontains one or more perforations to allow for air and water flow. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein a second identical article is attachedto the article via a permanent or removable connecting means.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the article is substantially rigid so thatit maintains its shape during storage, transport, and laundering. 17.The method of claim 11, wherein the article is composed of a textilethat wicks moisture.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the article iscomposed of recycled materials.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein thearticle is not attached to any additional articles.
 20. An article formaintaining the shape of a brassiere comprising: i. a smooth continuousrounded portion having a terminating end at the circumference, whereinthe rounded portion comprises: a. an upper side with a radius ofcurvature being substantially constant; b. a lower side with a radius ofcurvature that is constantly changing; and c. two distinct andcontinuous sections, the first section is an annular body that extendsfrom the peripheral edge portion in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the peripheral edge portion, the second section is aconical cap that intersects with the first section to complete therounded portion; ii. a smooth peripheral edge portion that is integrallyattached to the rounded portion and is generally orthogonal to or at anangle to the rounded portion at its terminating end, wherein theperipheral edge is composed of a soft-touch polypropylene to preventdamage to a brassiere; wherein the article includes a second identicalarticle attached to the article via a permanent or removable connectingmeans and one or more fastening means integrally formed with the articleto attach the article to a brassiere so that the article is securelyinserted into a brassiere cup during storage, transport or laundering.